The Dangerous DEI Scapegoating: Trump’s False Narrative on the American Airlines and Black Hawk Collision

On January 30, 2025, a tragedy occurred when an American Airlines plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided, resulting in a devastating loss of life.

My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of those affected by this heartbreaking event.

In times like these, our focus SHOULD be on mourning, supporting those impacted, and ensuring that we learn from the incident to prevent future tragedies.

But nah

Your president Donald Trump, (from here on out will be referred to as 47) has once again used a tragedy to push a harmful and misleading narratives this time blaming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for the crash. This is not only factually incorrect, but it is an incredibly dangerous claim to make.

Suggesting otherwise is just wild to me.

47 made it clear that one of his first executive orders will be to eliminate all DEI initiatives.

Did that on day 2.

Let’s be clear: DEI has absolutely nothing to do with this accident. DEI initiatives existed (because you know that Executive Order was signed on day 2) to ensure that workplaces, including the military and aviation industries, foster diverse and inclusive environments while upholding the highest professional standards. These efforts do not compromise safety nor do they hinder performance; in fact, they enhance them by bringing in the best talent from all backgrounds.

It tracks that he would use this to justify his signing the Executive Order. Even if it makes no sense.

As part of the 92%, I find this deeply concerning. It signals a future where people of color, women, and other marginalized groups will face even more barriers to employment and advancement than we experience now.

The idea that diversity equates to incompetence is not only offensive but rooted in a long history of bull shit. That exclusionary thinking that has kept talented individuals from opportunities they rightfully deserve.

The next four years are going to be wild, to say the least. We are watching history repeat itself in real time, with attacks on diversity efforts intensifying.

The real danger lies in misinformation, fear-mongering, and policies designed to turn back progress.

We have to keep our head on a swivel , continue advocating for what is right , and push back against these harmful narratives.